Guidance for Health Departments about COVID-19 Testing in the Community

Updated July 10, 2020

COVID-19 test tube and swab held by medical professional

Testing Overview

Summary of considerations and current CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19 testing strategies

Performing Broad-Based Testing

Prepare for broad-based viral testing in facilities after known or suspected SARS-CoV-2 exposure or when there is moderate to substantial transmission in the community.

Broad-Based Testing

Other Testing Resources

Calculating Percent Positivity
Pooled Procedures for Testing
Laboratory Resources
Testing Guidance for the Public

Search All COVID-19 Guidance for Health Departments

Testing in Communities, Schools and Workplaces

K-12 Schools
Institutes of Higher Education
Non-Healthcare Workplaces
High-Density, Critical Workplaces
Homeless Shelters
Correctional and Detention Facilities

Testing in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare Personnel
Nursing Homes
Performing Facility-Wide Testing in Nursing Homes

Testing Animals

Pets, Livestock, and Other Animals
Wildlife

Last Updated July 10, 2020

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases